Clocks, Watches/clock repair?

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Expert: - 5/9/2010


Question
Do you repair clocks?  If so, how do I send mine to you?  It is a Alaron 31 day pendulum clock anout 24" long.  Also is there any way I could get an estimate.  It has run perfectly for 27 years until recently.

Answer
Hi, Elizabeth.  Thanks for the question.  First, I have to say that to stay within the Allexperts guidelines, I do not advertise or emphasize my shop service or the availability of vintage clock parts.  This is basically an advice forum.  However, if you cannot find parts anywhere else or do not have a clockmaker near you, I will ask you to contact me at my shop address and we can discuss it then.  I do have a list of my Internet Clocksmiths Group and can try to find someone near you.  Also I provide contacts for clock supply houses.

Concerning your clock, it is an Asian 31 day that often requires service that is beyond the acceptance of the clock owner.  A lot of clockmakers will not take them in because of the extensive work required to warantee them.  If I find one that is in very good condition I will restore it.  Others I will recommend some alternatives, like movement conversions I do in my shop.  If you will contact me at my shop email address below, we can check to see if there are any clockmakers near you, and if not I will give you the details of what I can do.

 John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama
klokdok@juno.com

Note:  Because of the number of Allexpert questions and follow ups,
and the excessive backlog in my shop, I regret that I can only answer
the Allexperts related questions in a timely manner.  

Clocks, Watches

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John Newman

Expertise

As much as I would like to offer values of clocks, I am not a certified appraiser and will not venture into giving an unresearched guess. There is very little published information on what I consider to be the value of "modern production clocks". Considerations are what the clock originally sold for, the condition of the case and movement, and particularly the area in which you live, the demand and the economy. ALSO, WATCHES ARE NOT MY FIELD. However, I can advise the clock owner on proper maintenance of a clock to keep it running, small corrections and adjustments and how to move a clock without damaging it. I can also advise on obtaining parts for clocks. It helps if you can send any information on the clock movement which is usually found on the back plate of the movement. I have been a clockmaker for about 35 years and was plant engineer in the mid 90's and later operations and engineering consultant at Emperor Clock Company in Fairhope, Alabama. I now have my own clock shop.

Experience

One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to China to assist a clock factory in building clocks to the standards which we required. With the proper specifications and quality control, some beautiful clock cases were built. The factory people from the wood carvers to the plant manager were very congenial, friendly and I left a lot of wonderful friends when I returned from my trips.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee

Publications
Horological Times, a publication of the American Watch and Clockmakers Instute. Collaberated column author, with Photos and ideas for clock movement conversion article.

Education/Credentials
Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Technology Emperor Introductory Clock Repair (Eventually taught a portion of the class after becoming employee)

Awards and Honors
Small Business of the Quarter (Prattville, Alabama) Leadership Class of 2009 (Autauga County, Alabama)

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